On December 12, Embassy representatives from Public Affairs Section and Economic Section attended the Vital Voices Poland Christmas Breakfast for mentors, mentees and partners who support women empowerment, around 150 people representing business, academia, and diplomacy. Vital Voices President Elżbieta Raczkowska welcomed guests and introduced Mrs. Jolanta Kwaśniewska, former First Lady of the Republic of Poland and Honorary Mentor of the Vital Voices Poland, who addressed the audience to mark the importance of the 100th anniversary of Polish women’s suffrage and civic engagement. Aleksandra Gren, President of Vital Voices Advisory Council, presented an update on current Vital Voices projects and plans for the future. Ms. Gren just returned from a Vital Voices Solidarity Award program in New York which honored remarkable men who have shown courage and compassion in advocating on behalf of women and girls in the United States and around the world. And she reminded us that conversations on the topic of combating gender-based violence should not be limited to only NGOs or organizations that deal with the subject but should also be a topic discussed in business settings along with conversations about leadership and empowerment.
The event was beautifully complemented by a performance of acclaimed Polish artist, Ania Rusowicz. The Embassy has supported initiatives of Vital Voices Poland since their establishment and will continue its engagement in mentoring and empowering projects, such as “I am a Leader” competition for young women (16 to 19 years old) interested in improving their leadership skills. Ambassador Mosbacher will host finals of the competition on January 10, 2019.
